Charlottesville is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, and spring is a great time to explore! Full bloom usually occurs around late March - early April, although timing varies by flower and elevation level. We recommend a walk or bike ride along the Rivanna Trail, a 20-mile network of trails that encircles the city. Or, head out of the city and explore a trail at one of our many local parks or natural areas. Check out some of our favorite hikes here.
For those seeking scenic overlooks of the area, entrances to the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are just a 30-minute drive from downtown Charlottesville.
In 2026, river season will have a bit of a late start -- May 2nd! Now is the perfect time to plan ahead - the Rivanna River Company, our local outfitter for the Rivanna River, which runs along Charlottesville on the north and east city limits, will be opening online reservations for river trips on April 1st. For those looking to take on the mighty James River, which borders southern Albemarle County at the town of Scottsville, head over to James River Runners and James River Rafting and Reeling. These two outfitters provide rental equipment, shuttles, and river trips with varying lengths and difficulty, including overnight packages.
Celebrate this beautiful Earth we live on by giving it some extra support this April. We've put together a full guide on planning a sustainable trip to Charlottesville, but even the smallest actions make a difference! Here are a few ideas:
The return of warmer weather means the return of outdoor music in Charlottesville, and we can't wait for this year's lineup!
On the Downtown Mall, Fridays After Five is a beloved Charlottesville tradition, with free music offered at the Ting Pavilion every Friday from mid-April to early-September. Check their website for more details including parking, concert dates, and FAQs!
Hosted every Friday from 6-9PM at Chisholm Vineyards! Enjoy live music, food trucks, 100% estate wine, and gorgeous sunset views of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Visit their website for more details on this season's lineup.
A local favorite! Kicking off on April 16th, head to Carter Mountain every Thursday from 6-9PM for live music, food trucks, and unbeatable sunset views overlooking Charlottesville. Tickets are required and available online here. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets or come early to snag a picnic table on their terrace or decks.
This is just a fraction of the live music available in the Charlottesville-area. For more up-to-date information, please visit our 'Concerts and Live Music' events page!
April kick-starts orchard and farmers market season in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Here are some that should be open in April -- we recommend following them on Instagram to stay up to date on hours, vendors, and special events! For a complete list of markets, visit this page.
Spend an afternoon picking your own strawberries or tulips at Chiles Peach Orchard. Afterwards, enjoy the farm store and peach soft-serve ice cream. Or, head to Carter Mountain Orchard for stunning mountain-top views with a glass of cider or wine in hand. Don’t forget to top everything off with a delicious, fresh apple cider donut!
For more information on all of our area's local orchard and farms, click here.
April brings beautiful weather and with it, many outdoor festivals and events! Catch these favorite annual events that will get you outside this month.
Did you know that there are SIX independent bookstores within walking distance on the Downtown Mall? All six shops carry the crawl card AND the final prize, so start wherever you'd like! We recommend grabbing a drink from Lone Light Coffee and kicking off at Daedalus Bookshop! In order to receive a stamp from each bookstore you need to purchase something (darn, an excuse to get more books). Once you have the completed card, turn it in for a *prize redacted*
The regenerative flower farm is waking up! Head out to Thistlerock Mead for one of their cut-your-own bouquet sessions! They currently have a few scheduled for the beginning of the month with tickets available for purchase online.
Once the flowers start to fully bloom (late-April into the summer), guests can purchase tickets from their Tavern for $25. Ticket price includes a mason jar to take home and a pair of snips to borrow! At peak, there are over 150 unique species of flowers and plants in their garden. Plan your visit and read their farm rules here!
There's never a wrong time to sip along the Monticello Wine Trail -- especially during the gorgeous spring season! Sunny patios are opening, seasonal wine and food are being released, and there are plenty of events happening -- like the White Wine Showcase at Southwest Mountains Vineyard on April 10th!
We look forward to welcoming you to Charlottesville and Albemarle County this April! As visitation picks up during the spring, planning a midweek stay will reward you with lower rates on accommodations, including at luxury resorts, hotels, B&Bs, and winery stays. Click the link below to discover all lodging options and start planning your trip today!
Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer visitors a wide variety of places to stay, including resorts, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and vacation rentals.
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